parkbench

Sitting in the stands I recall pandemonium erupted as Cavaliers announced winner in 1992. And incredible response from mostly full stands for encore. No discredit to Star. But they in fact did take 3rd yet these annual threads continue.

Santa Clara Vanguard ?

Blasphemy. Chicago Cubs (Sox) is Cavie grounds. We indeed played at Wrigley in the 70's.

I stand corrected, Dan. Thanks for reminder. Loved those shows as well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7loxbB_IaRI&feature=youtube_gdata_player The first theme show ending VFW era and launching the new Combine DCI. And the one tee-shirts proclaimed "When drum corps died!" (I was ctr snare. Brother was French horn)

Wes, its all good. Thank you, and I appreciate your reply. Yes, perhaps abit sensitive keeping pride and things thus far, but I responded honestly from perspective many of us have been privately holding too.

Sorry but your otherwise excellent (and consistently thoughtful over the years) review lost credibility when you proclaimed (Cavaliers) you "didn't make it back in time" to actually see them but felt you could infer performance against others. They too have made daily strides to adjust and fine tune; last nite throwing down improving product. AND, like many here ridicule their attempt to innovate and risk-take (not unlike BD, Cadets, et al) while concurrently equilibrate SCV reincarnation as "Santa Claraliers". I respect and appreciate all the competition but have to take exception to biasness if not "kick'em when down" attitudes.

Percussion judge in Rockford must have had his ear plugs piercing his brain with the scoring he penned. Absolutely no comparison in content between SCV, Bloo, Cavaliers to Devils and Crown particularly. I've seen Cadets do their book year in year out; lots a notes but generic bland. And I'm referring to batteries and pits as well their ensemble integration plus support then of the musical program. Execution. Essentially same comment and ranking thoughts above with perspective of technique, expression and simply "clean". I watched all the above several times now in the lot as well on field. IMHO, SCV, Cavies/Bloo, BD, PR, Cadets, Crown. It was just painful to read the inconsistentcy in drum recaps.

Thank you :)

IMHO, Cavaliers have not practiced, promoted any real rivalries since the 60's (several EAST corps, and the local competitive neighbors like Royal Airs, Norwood, Nisei). Rockford, Madison and Bluestars were always respected competitors and friends as has been SCV in a very playful sense too. We mostly operate(d) as the fun-loving fraternity house that would rather wink at school rules (outside the corps rules) especially if we could get the women or at least a jolly rancher food fight for giggles. Now, with that said, there is absolutely no love lost with Concord -- totally polar opposites in philosophy, attitude, approach, competition, etc. and this rivalry for many alums has become to a point of non-objectivity in anything and everything Blue Devil. My opinion and observation. And while I was specifically out-of-loop during STAR era, there was more disdain for their arrogance which is probably a similar attitude regarding relationship with CROWN recently.

More on par with Asparagus eaters than even pancakers . . . this takes same thought :) Reminds me of a philosphy joke M.Boo relayed on a private forum.

Surely you must remember Casper (and not the trip nor that other corps).

Cavies lost tenor finals week as well.

Kevin, gotta say THANKS for the extra touch you've done in your 'casting past couple years by previewing details of each corps' repertoire. I've actually gone back to show threads for reference. And your coordination between DCP and Tweets with pics is incredible. Kudo's to you, Sir!

They do ... Crown, Blue Stars, Madison. Ohhhhh stop, I'm mostly kiddin'

click . click. click . click . click ... (the sound of us reeling one of our beloved inmates back in the usually locked alumni playpen Splooie.Org). John, come back now, John! Take your meds and calm down, Brother. Wash it down with the Green juice. Remember your initiate training when you feel a rush ... "you have a very nice drum corps" if you have nothing constructive to say. (Guys, someone take a break from Jillian's pre-party and unplug his keyboard again dang it! Sorry about that folks.)

I concur ... the shows all seem to have detail(s) that get picked up with multi-cam quick shots supplementing the high-cam big picture. I was somewhat disappointed and surprised at camera teams production of Cavaliers; they missed many wide out shots of key transitions into key forms (e.g., the arrows pointing to rifle line, the undulating circles in Smile, closer climax, etc.) instead focusing on guard closeups. And the preshow was essentially mostly missed as camera stayed on Rondo talkfest. Also essentially ignored drumline and key pit feature in Smile. In general I think there has been tooooo much attention to dancers, prancers .. but that could be just my preference when watching shows.

Cavaliers 75 and 76 still give me old skool goosebumps for off-the-line in your face Drum Corps. And 81 as mentioned too.

Thank you.

BD is no more innovative or the same than any other corps ... each have their mostly distinctive "styles" which over the years (and environ) have evolved and ebbed and flowed. I marched Cavies in '69 which was radically different than our circus show of '71 which was different than 80's, 90's, 00's with exception that content has always been founded in precision (Green Machine) marching, visuals, entertainment, solid drumming and aggressive guard around a unique portfolio/style of "book" or concept -- it's been the Cavie way which fans or foes simply come to expect. Similar stylistic hints with Garfield/Cadets, SCV, Phantom, Boston, Bluecoats, Blue Stars, and BD as well as newer-comers like Crown (lush horn, unique body movements), etc. Some years or era's developed better than others. But to characterize the staff's with connotation of inferiority or lack of roots, WOW. You reinforce a elitist attitude for your corps.

Well, IMO Cavaliers Samurai show was certainly a great contender, and BTW, I think the only corps to knock BD off (Allentown) prior to finals week.

Admittedly bias but objectively observing a growing groundswell of emotional connection, appreciation and support for Mad World; particularly as the guys are totally beginning to execute and sell it. Word on Souvie row (as a soft but typically accurate indicator of fandom) is Cavie merchandise and HSchooler dancing/ovating in stands is WAY up. Similar vibes to '08.

Ohhhhh Noooooo. You're all figuring out the hidden meaning within the Splooie code book .... influence and domination of all things drum corps in a Cavalier way by indoctrination through our 62+ years of infiltrating other corps' by our FMMs, Management, Staff and in some cases DNA !! SCV, Crown, Colts, and on and on. It's a mancharian drum corps takeover masterminded by Don Warren. /jokinz off

Michael, you are like an energizer bunny, my old friend and brother! Treat yourself to that Taco without any guilt as you refresh for the next and final rounds of the drum corps circus show.